The village of Timberlake has decided to end its contract for fire and rescue services with the city of Eastlake and has entered into an agreement with the city of Willowick in hopes of saving money.

Driving the switch from long-term provider Eastlake to Willowick wasn't quality of service, it was the price. Willowick's bid of roughly $82,000 beat out Eastlake's $90,000 bid.

Timberlake Mayor Dave Catanni said the final bids were more competitive and ended up saving the village thousands more than if the contract had stayed with Eastlake.

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"This is saving us $23,000 a year because we approached Willowick," he said.

"Obviously Eastlake responded with (other) offers along the way trying to stay competitive."

Timberlake council's decision to go with the Willowick bid was unanimous. Council members agreed that while the location of the Eastlake Fire Department across the street from the village couldn't be beat, the price is what swayed the decision.

"The service from Eastlake is great. I hope they appreciate the fact that we appreciate them," council member Jim Gaiser said. "The only difference between the two was the price. It is taxpayer money that we'll be saving. The departments are pretty much on par."

Before the special council meeting, Timberlake hosted a town hall meeting to hear comments and questions from residents.

Much of the concern was about response time considering the fact that Willowick's department is 2 miles away rather than across the street.

After the meeting, Willowick Fire Chief Robert Posipanka said his department can reach the furthest address in Timberlake within seven minutes.

In terms of call volume, adding Timberlake to Willowick's coverage area will not negatively affect either municipality, Posipanka said.

"Right now we're averaging six (runs) a day," he said. "I figured that we would be absorbing up to 3 percent of our total run count right now."

With Eastlake, Timberlake averages about one ambulance call a week, Mayor Catanni said. Local departments have mutual aid agreements, and in case of a large fire or other emergency, multiple departments would respond.

"The level of service will not change," Posipanka said.

Officials from Eastlake and Willowick, including both fire chiefs, Willowick's mayor and Eastlake's finance director, were present at the meeting but were not invited to speak.

The new contract with Willowick takes effect Jan. 1 and covers three years.

Based on the Willowick fire department's operating budget, Catanni said the deal saves more money in the long run when it comes to renewals.

"It is linked linearly to Willowick's operating budget for their fire department, so if they save money we save money," he said.

"We're only 4 percent of (Willowick's) business. It's not in their best interest to take 4 percent of their business and spend up their costs."